"Shopping is a woman thing. It's a contact sport like football. Women enjoy the scrimmage, the noisy crowds, the danger of being trampled to death, and the ecstasy of the purchase." ―Erma Bombeck

Another Reason to Vote: A Deal on Local Bling

Not that you need more incentive to do your civic duty...but if that little I Voted sticker gets you 10 percent off Melissa Joy Manning gems on Tuesday, November 8 and Wednesday, November 9, take it. Just head to MJM's Berkeley store and flash your sticker. For online purchases, tag @melissajoymanning in social media posts with your sticker or email an image directly. The only choice left? Hoops or bangles. // 1827 Fifth St. Suite A (Berkeley), melissajoymanning.com

West Coast Craft is one of the best places to shop for unique wares from 250+ West Coast artisans.(Courtesy of West Coast Craft)

West Coast Craft Hits Fort Mason This Weekend

As far as we're concerned when (Winter) West Coast Craft rolls around, it's officially time to let the holiday shopping begin. We suggest clearing several hours on Saturday or Sunday, November 12 or 13, to hit up Fort Mason, where unique jewelry, clothing, art, bath and body, housewares, gourmet edibles and more are yours for the buying. More than 250+ West Coast-based artisans and craftspeople will be at your service. And, as always, entrance is free. See you there. // Open 10am to 6pm both days, 2 Marina Blvd. (Marina), westcoastcraft.com

Wonder no more what hip Londoners smell like...now that iconic British perfumer Penhaligon's is open in SF.(Courtesy of Penhaligon's)

British Perfumer Penhaligon's Opens Boutique in SF Westfield Centre

Anyone shopping at SF's Westfield Centre in the last few days most likely noticed a decidedly British scent in the air thanks to the mall's newest street-level occupant: Penhaligon's. The storied London fragrance maker's third California boutique—a polished 600-square-foot space—features its full collection of original women's and men's fragrances, grooming, and bath and body products. Insider tip: Make sure to take advantage of the complimentary profiling service where an expert will help match you with a fragrance perfectly suited to you. // 865 Market St. (Union Square), penhaligons.com

Like your rings, bangles and necklaces to be the opposite of cookie-cutter? This Saturday's jewelry pop-up at the Diana Slavin boutique has your name all over it. From 1pm to 5pm, a small group of jewelry designers (including many locals) will be displaying their unique, handcrafted pieces. Look for Kirsten Muenster, Maya Kini, Elisa Bongfeldt and Cynthia Lammers, among others. (Vintage lovers, there will be gorgeous items for you, too.) Enjoy nibbles and sips as you shop. // 3 Claude Lane (Union Square), dianaslavin.com

Craving Heath Ceramics anything? The upcoming annual sale is the time to indulge.(Courtesy of Heath Ceramics)

Heath Ceramics Open Studio + Annual Sale Is Coming

Some people (you know who you are) wait all year for Heath Ceramics' Annual Sale, when all the lust-worthy and iconic dishes, mugs and vases, and new handbags, jewelry, etc. are available for 20 percent off in the San Francisco, Sausalito and LA showrooms. Online shoppers get 15 percent off plus free shipping on purchases of $175 or more. This year's sale runs from Friday, November 18 through Monday, November 21. Along with the welcome savings, the event offers an opportunity to attend talks, workshops and factory tours. We're looking forward to learning how to forge silver earrings with Julia Turner and Liz Oppenheim. See the full listing of events. // Open10am to 6pm every day except Sunday, when doors open at 11am. 400 Gate 5 Road (Sausalito), or 2900 18th St. (San Francisco), heathceramics.com